A windshield wiper is a simple yet important component of any road-safe car. It is a component we forget until we really need it. And the contrast between worn-out windshield wiper blades and a well-maintained one can be staggering.
Like all the other car components, you need to take proper care of the windshield wipers to keep safe if the weather becomes rough. To do that and save money while protecting the windshield glass, you should know a few things.
Here are a few important FAQs about windshield wipers and their answers:
How Long Does A Windshield Wiper Last?
The windshield wipers of a car last about 6 to 12 months. But it can vary depending on various factors, including weather. For instance, living in a rainy or heavy snowfall area means you need to use wipers frequently.
Moreover, frequent use may cause quick wear and tear. Grime, salt, dirt, dust, smog, engine exhaust, heat, and UV rays can attack your windshield wipers, damaging them with time.
How Much Is The Cost Of Windshield Wipers?
A windshield wiper may cost you around $5 to $25. It depends on the quality and type of windshield wipers you choose. If you select a high-quality wiper, it’ll cost you more. But if you just want to replace its squeegee tip, then it would cost less.
How Often To Change The Windshield Wipers?
The frequency of changing windshield wipers depends on the kind of blade material you’re using and where you live. But the car experts recommend changing the windshield wipers every six months or so to keep the glass streak-free.
So, make sure that you have windshield replacement on your vehicle maintenance checklist.
What Are The Top Signs Of Bad Windshield Wipers?
If you are thinking about “how often should I replace my windshield wipers”, well, the jury is still out on the matter. Most of the suggestions specific to the time you hear are based on the estimated average usage of a wiper by the car driver.
However, you may need to replace your wipers much less or more, which depends on how frequently you drive the car and the weather of the area you live in. The most important point is that you should know the signs to keep a lookout for when to replace the windshield wipers.
Chattering or Jerking
Wiggling or jerking happens when the wipers make broken contact or are uneven with the windshield. The entire blade doesn’t evenly glide across its wet surface. Rather it will bunce or catch different points.
Uneven movement, vibration, or cracking of wipers indicate irregular or extensive damage. So, you should replace it with a new one soon.
Squeaking
Your windshield wipers should not squeak. The squeaking sound is irritating, and it means that the blade has damage or wear that causes it to have bumpy contact with the windshield. A well-maintained and fully-functional wiper do the job in complete silence.
Wet Spots
In case the wipers are not removing water, you should go to your dealer and buy new wipers. If the windshield has big wet patches, that means blades are making proper contact with the windshield, and that’s why ineffective.
Streaking
If the windshield wipers are working properly, they should clear water space so that driver can see through. Worn-out wipers may leave streaks on your windshield Wipers that causes holes and tears in the blades. The water slips through them and so lingers on your screen.
Scratching
The worst-case for windshield wiper is scratching, and it means that you should have replaced the blades a really long time ago.
Wiper leaving any scratches on the windshield means the rubber is not present between wiper metal and the glass. Getting windshield repaired is costlier than replacing the blades.
Which Factors Affect The Lifespan Of Windshield Wipers?
Here are the factors affecting the working of your windshield wipers:
Usage
The usage of wipers affects the longevity of the wipers, of course. If you use the wipers more frequently, they are more likely to get damaged.
If you are an everyday commuter, the blades will need replacement more often than if you use your car on rare occasions. So, you will need to replace wipers often in the first case.
Climate
If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, your blades will wear out earlier than expected. Wet or cold environments can potentially damage the blades as they have to work even harder under extreme conditions.
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